“Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Phototherapeutic Properties of Commonly Used Phototherapy Units for Treatment of Neonatal Hyperbillirubinemia in India”: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Volume 1 - Issue 4

Santosh Kumar K¹*, Mangalabharathi S² and Kamalarathnam CN²

Received: April 20, 2018;   Published: May 03, 2018

DOI: 10.32474/PAPN.2018.01.000117

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Abstract

Objective: To study the spectral characteristics of the phototherapy systems and to identify variations in spectral properties with changes in height, voltage, tilt and temperature output.

Setting:Research laboratory at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: The spectral characteristics were measured from two compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and eight light emitting diode (LED) phototherapy devices in a dark room with an irradiance of <0.1μW/cm2/nm. The variations in the spectral characteristics with changes in height, tilt and voltage were measured. Heat output was documented.

Results: The peak spectral wavelength of all the devices tested had a peak centering around 450±10 nm, in billirubin absorption spectrum. LEDs achieved a higher maximum irradiance compared to CFL units across all the heights tested. CFL and Array LEDs showed a better mean irradiance compared to Spot/Multispot LEDs. CFL and Array LEDs demonstrated the best footprint whereas the Spot and Multispot LED units had a narrow footprint (approximately half or less of CFL or Array LEDs).Tilt angles influenced the mean irradiance. Most of the units showed a decrease in mean irradiance with tilting except for one Array LED namely Brilliance Classic. CFLs showed an inconsistent mean irradiance when tested at different voltage inputs LEDs had a consistent irradiance in spite of voltage fluctuations. LEDs had minimal irradiance decay of irradiance compared to CFLs. Both CFL and LED units showed increasing temperature output over time, which is more pronounced in CFL units.

Conclusion: The phototherapy units differ in spectral properties which influence their therapeutic efficacy. Spectral parameters and its variations with tilt height and voltage changes must be considered when phototherapy device are used. The Array LEDs and CFL devices seem to score over other devices in most of the parameters tested.

Keywords: Neonate; Jaundice; Spectral Properties; Surface Area; Irradiance

Abstract| Introduction| Methods| Data Entry & Statistical Analysis| Results| Discussion| Conclusion| Acknowledgment| References|